Patriotism

**YES! YES!! YES!!!** **FREE HUGS on the National Mall are happening again!!** **"Spreading More Love"** Here are two videos of past FREE HUGS gatherings: [FREE HUGS October 2017. 32 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh7v3zucDas) [FREE HUGS Veterans Day 2016. 58 sec.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebTt9Q177zQ) **HEY EVERYONE!** Now that the Flu, COVID and RSV have subsided, we are **RESUMING OUR MONTHLY FREE HUGS GATHERINGS!!** FREE HUGS gatherings generate so much excitement, joy, appreciation, connection, peace, love, smiles, “Thank you’s,” lots of laughter and such positive energy!! Our FREE HUGS movement is all about "Spreading More Love" regardless of political, religious, racial or gender identification or any other identification. **!! IMPORTANT !!** We meet OUTSIDE of the National Museum of Natural History on the NATIONAL MALL SIDE OF THE MUSEUM near the Refreshment stand. ADDRESS: 1306 Madison Dr. NW · Washington, DC **PARKING:** On the street parking OR [Nearest Parking](https://washingtondc.bestparking.com/destinations/national-mall-parking) **METRO:** Smithsonian National Mall Metro Station (NOT Independence Ave.) **We hope you will join us for an AWESOME time!** **Lots of Hugs...jeff** 301-885-8259 (c) \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* Note 1: if you agree to participate in any FREE HUGS Event, you agree to the following terms: By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks involved (COVID, etc.), and you are committing to participate nonviolently and in accordance with the law. You agree: (i) not to engage in any act of violence or violation of any applicable law (ii) to obey the orders of authorized event marshals and law enforcement authorities (iii) that any Meetup group will not be responsible to any injury or damage to your person or property resulting from or occurring in the course of your participating in the Event; and iv) to release and forever hold harmless Jeff Maurer, Meetup group and their respective employees and volunteers from liability for any such injury or damage. Note 2: FREE HUGS gatherings are 1. NOT for advertising our businesses; 2. NOT about promoting political or religious or racial or gender issues or any other issues.

Join Open Eyes VA and Fractal Path for brunch, community, and conversation on psychedelic integration and harm reduction. ☀️ Brunch & Integration Hour Join us for a relaxed morning of conversation, connection, and community as we gather to explore psychedelic integration, harm reduction, and the lessons that continue unfolding long after an experience ends. Whether you’re experienced, curious, or simply looking for thoughtful community, you’re welcome here. 📅 Sunday, June 28 🕥 10:30 AM 📍 Zen Press Cafe & Juice Bar 806 King St, Alexandria, VA Hosted by @openeyesva and @thefractalpath Come grab a juice, meet like-minded people, and participate in an open community discussion on making meaning from psychedelic experiences.

Come watch [Algeria take on Austria on Saturday](https://www.volosports.com/d/09a51458-55f9-45e1-8119-ad2a40c92cef)**[, June 27th at 10pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/09a51458-55f9-45e1-8119-ad2a40c92cef).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Algeria or Austria gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Welp, it's official. I'm moving to Taiwan on June 30. It would be great to see everyone before I go!

Come to MLK Library for a free, family-friendly afternoon of conversation, celebration, and really good food. We're inviting the whole area to join us in celebrating ourselves, our neighbors, and the things that make DC special. There will be games, giveaways, and a chance to make new connections at every level. Bring your hopes and dreams for the future of our city, and an open mind to learn from your neighbors. We hope to see you there.

Gujarati Stand-Up Comedy - Kishor Kaka with RJ Harshil 100% Shuddh Shakahari Family Show Event Schedule • Doors Open: 5:00 PM • Show Starts: 6:00 PM Refreshments - Snacks and refreshments will be available for purchase before the show. Venue - High Point High School 3601 Powder Mill Road Beltsville, MD 20705 Ticket Categories • Baba – $35 • Lala – $45 • Kaka – $55 Members of supporting organizations receive $5 off ticket prices. Tickets Available Online • Sulekha - [https://events.sulekha.com/gujarati-stand-up-comedy...](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fevents.sulekha.com%2Fgujarati-stand-up-comedy-kishor-kaka-with-rj-harshil_event-in_beltsville-md_400317%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyQnhxNHZVZXlCa1lSb2NVTnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6fW7cHTCPLpB5tcJVoo-jyeG6ewK5Szpjfxp42r6OO1HIbZ9JV2DYasdQP2Q_aem_gzdUrLsW9mV-JCtle2SUzw&h=AUAxf3o9SIlxo5Jq0smoUYwVMa1TegtNrofkGHQpQuetZiWheXSBRaOrVln0eCMhEuZOrh8M4ogQV6MasymWZVGx1u-9I2t84jKu4OVjcacE01iIriJKMnPBEAWO7ak4apLizfNQcl1KPeA25gshRA&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCUFd_BYAEsdsO1oJ1ZxhUOJFSquRm_6R84mkh1INjC6R6CUG91U9zs_Q0KSivL_5jpsT7KhfxLv-bpHp7-7IwEifgbuaNbCN8plVfya9M2f5ZS7flqdDdrRYrjE5aCWlMED9w-qSqEHViHIJ5yg9SLEVAXQ8PH4o4) • Eventbrite - [https://KishorKakaShowDC.eventbrite.com](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2FKishorKakaShowDC.eventbrite.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyQnhxNHZVZXlCa1lSb2NVTnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR40xEZmicwpI7Y9J0Npz2wHpY8o3jlRpSeDBzX_f-EHASUdeO9Mrtp_AGm3KQ_aem_GBxrGcTMRwoPPT06KToJJg&h=AUA1ItJU1QTS2LQ3S8ZmHwdjAi_VxqkHQnMu9fgFvE8jfEwtCBJl5zaYcjF3bQKMUbCXUU1b3s4pdAo5pl6kPXLk9jx7Twb-W2fXeDDCVicPmGpUu76pvc8HgeE2AnhMuzGAJtjeGs7qdyxIl_eLFg&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AUCUFd_BYAEsdsO1oJ1ZxhUOJFSquRm_6R84mkh1INjC6R6CUG91U9zs_Q0KSivL_5jpsT7KhfxLv-bpHp7-7IwEifgbuaNbCN8plVfya9M2f5ZS7flqdDdrRYrjE5aCWlMED9w-qSqEHViHIJ5yg9SLEVAXQ8PH4o4) Supported By • American Diversity Group • Gujarati Samaj of Metropolitan Washington • Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj • AUROUS Commodities • Band Baaja Entertainment National Promoter - Be United Contact Information Saumil – 240-505-7285 Bring your family and friends for an evening full of laughter, entertainment, and Gujarati humor!

Messi, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, Enzo Fernández, and [Argentina take on Jordan on](https://www.volosports.com/d/175a43ba-e5ed-4e76-8804-39ccf8a8bad9) **[Saturday, June 27th at 10pm at Wunder Garten](https://www.volosports.com/d/175a43ba-e5ed-4e76-8804-39ccf8a8bad9).** **What you can expect:** Great soccer and vibes 🍺 **2 Free Anheuser-Busch products** **Limited edition World Cup merchandise for giveaway and raffle** 🔥 Exclusive, soccer themed Volo Pass swag (Members Only, [sign up here](https://www.volosports.com/volo-pass)) Bring your friends, wear your Argentina or Jordan gear, and come ready to celebrate, cheer, and enjoy the game together! Note: General admission and entry to Wunder Garten is free, but the immersive Volo experience and perks are available only this registration.

Flow Beneath the Bells: Traditional Yoga at the Netherlands Carillon Cost: Free Level: Beginner Friendly Take a break from the noise and join us for a refreshing hour of yoga in one of Arlington’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’ve been practicing for years or can’t touch your toes without negotiating first, you’re welcome here. This class is designed for beginners, but experienced practitioners will also enjoy the flow. During this session we’ll: • Learn foundational yoga poses • Explore simple breathing techniques to reduce stress and improve focus • Build strength, balance, and flexibility • Stretch out tight muscles from work, running, cycling, or life in general • Spend an hour moving, breathing, and reconnecting with ourselves No pressure. No competition. No yoga experience required. What to Bring • A yoga mat or large towel • Water • Comfortable clothes you can move in • An open mind A Few Quick Notes • Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time. • Avoid a heavy meal right before class. Light snacks are fine. • If your plans change, please update your RSVP so someone else can join. Safety Disclaimer Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, including yoga. Participate at your own pace and listen to your body. Modify or skip any movement that doesn’t feel right for you. By attending this class, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health and well-being and participate voluntarily.

This epic event will run for two weeks, I want to create a MeetUp giving others, like myself, a way to meet new friends and get out there for any day you have available. Each day will be a duplicate event, giving everyone the ability to sign up for the day they have free. I will not be at every event as I work three days a week, but I will put in the messages the days I'll be there. The Metro Smithsonian is a great place to meet since it's right at one of the two entrances. The only two entrances are at 12th and 4th and Jefferson. If you want to go to one or several of the days just hit the attend and message those who are also planning on attending that day. You can coordinate the times as well. Let's make new friends and experience the 250 anniversary of our country.

The water lilies and lotuses are blooming at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! Let's explore the gardens and go for a walk on the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From 9 to 10 am we'll do about 2 miles of unstructured wandering around LBJ Memorial Pond to enjoy and photograph the aquatic plants and the boardwalks to the west. If you arrive later, which is fine, just come on in and join us in the gardens! * At 10 am, we'll reconvene in front of the Visitor Center and go for a 1.9-mile walk on the Anacostia River and back along the Anacostia River Trail. The River Trail is paved and fairly level. * The total walk is about 4 miles. We should finish at around 11:30 am. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a](https://tinyurl.com/kxha6n4a) ❷ **How to get there:** * The parking lot entrance is located at 4505 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington D.C. (The official address is 1550 Anacostia Avenue NE, Washington, DC.) From the parking lot, a path through the woods leads to the Visitor Center. The park is accessible by Metro from the Deanwood Metro Stop on the Orange Line. * For detailed directions, see the NPS web site, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/planyourvisit/directions.htm) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Insect repellent, sunscreen, and maybe an umbrella are recommended. A camera is a handy accessory. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 88F, with a 24% chance of showers at start, falling to 14% by noon. Light NW winds. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc](https://tinyurl.com/mrtd3muc) ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms and drinking fountains at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Visitor Center. ❼ **Notes:** * "Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens," Official National Park Service Website, [http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/keaq/index.htm)

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

***July is National Picnic Month*** (along with National Hot Dog/Baked Beans/Ice Cream Month)! So let's do it up by joining a giant PICNIC celebrating America's 250th Birthday! Join us at Wyandotte Winery for an **America 250–Ohio Homecoming Picnic as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States in true Ohio style!** Throughout July 2026, communities across Ohio are gathering for food, fun, and friendship to honor our nation’s history and reflect on the contributions of Ohioans over the past 250 years. Our picnic will feature a relaxed atmosphere with food, live music (starts at 5pm), and opportunities to connect with friends. ***BRING***: ***Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs*** and enjoy an afternoon of community celebration. ***FREE EVENT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC***: Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the shop and food trucks. ***PARKING***: limited near the wine shop. Most park one block away in the church parking lot. [Wyandotte Winery](https://www.wyandottewinery.com/) has been part of the Central Ohio community since 1977, and we are proud to host this gathering during our 50th year of operation as a local place for connection and hospitality.

*The streets of Columbus are going French this July!* The **[Chouette Bastille Day Festival](https://www.chouetterestaurant.com/)** returns to N. High Street this summer for an afternoon of live French jazz, traditional French cuisine, and premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers from our DORA bar. Free cover, festive, and entirely French.⁠ **⁠When:** Sunday, July 12th, 12PM to 4 PM - we'll meet about 2pm. **Parking**: Metropolis Parking garage, one block west. Metropolis Parking lot, one block east. **Note**: Feel free to come by early and grab a sit down lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby, if you like. Once the fest begins, eats n drinks purchased are walkabout, round tables, or lean in high tops. *You just may find me at a barstool at Hank's ;)*